Pull-down UV screen for child carriers

Abstract

The system provides a roller shade apparatus that can be affixed to any of a plurality of infant and toddler carriers (including strollers, playpens, car seats, rockers, and the like). A pair of adjustable clips allow for the roller shade to be mounted on carriers of a variety of widths. Once in place, the shade can be unrolled to the desired length and an adjustable cord with clamp (with Velcro™ backing pad) can be affixed to the body of the carrier to secure the shade in place. This allows the apparatus to be used in a variety of carriers with variable dimensions. The apparatus provides easy adjustment to various carrier designs with the use of ball joint swivels, spring clamps and an adjustable length cord.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus comprising:
 a spring mechanism comprising a shade material configured to retract into the spring mechanism; 
 first and second fasteners coupled to the spring mechanism, wherein each of the first and second fasteners is configured to be rotationally and pivotally adjusted and moved to a plurality of positions, and the first and second fasteners are removably coupled directly to a canopy frame of a child carrier, the first fastener has a first spring clamp coupled to a first ball joint attached to the spring mechanism, the second fastener has a second spring clamp coupled to a second ball joint attached to the spring mechanism, wherein each of the spring clamps are adjustably positioned at locations along a major length of the spring mechanism via inward and outward rotation of the spring clamps about the ball joints; 
 a third fastener coupled to the shade material, wherein the third fastener is adjustable such that the shade material is configured to be positioned and held at one or more of a plurality of lengths to cover an infant in the child-carrier; and 
 wherein the shade material provides UV protection for the infant in the child-carrier. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the shade material comprises a mesh material. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the shade material comprises a film. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1  further including an actuator to retract the shade material into the spring mechanism and wherein the shade material is configured to be extended to two or more of a plurality of increments. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1  further including a vertical member coupled to the spring mechanism and disposed at an area between the first and second fasteners to block light from passing through that area.